Sunday, 11 November 2018

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has said Zimbabwe is not only Open for
Business but for dialogue too, as it forges ahead with engaging locals and
foreigners in its quest to attain a middle class economy by 2030.

Addressing members of the corporate world, academics and
the business community during the Midlands State University fundraising golf
tournament and dinner for the construction of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Law School and Liberation Heritage Centre in Kwekwe yesterday evening,
President Mnangagwa said while the Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra had
succeeded beyond measure, the country, he said, was now open for dialogue to
attract investors.

He said it was unfortunate that there would be “doubting
Thomasses” when development matters are discussed.

President Mnangagwa said he was optimistic Zimbabweans
should rally behind the Government’s socio-economic programmes so that locals
enjoy the fruits of the liberation struggle.

“I remember when we had returned from China and we visited
parents in Mashoko Village in Masvingo during a traditional beer drinking
ceremony. We told the parents that we were freedom fighters and were going to
see to it that black people ruled themselves. Some parents laughed at us and
some sympathised with us and we were optimistic that we would one day attain
independence. So two villagers started fighting — one was supporting us while
the other was saying we would never defeat the colonisers. As they were
fighting, one fell down after he was tripped by a log and the one supporting us
landed on his chest and shouted “ndodye zhizha” (I am enjoying green mealies
from a harvest),” he said.

“So this story reminds me of when I coined the Zimbabwe is
Open for Business mantra. Some people in Government didn’t believe me but on
that mantra I am now saying Zimbabwe is open for business and dialogue for
socio-economic growth.”

The President urged Zimbabweans to be united and have
positive dreams about the country adding that peace was a driver of foreign
investments. He said the vision for the expansion of MSU was mooted by the
likes of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Ngwabi Bhebhe and today it is coming
to fruition.

“You will find that developed countries are peaceful. Their
people see projects such as this one as everyone’s responsibility. If we unite
we develop. But if we don’t we won’t go anywhere. At the same time you find out
that if there is unity and peace in the country, we invite investors,” he said.

MSU vice-chancellor Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa
said the new Kwekwe Law School Campus was expected to change the lives in
Kwekwe the same way the Zvishavane Campus has done to people in the area. He
said the Kwekwe Campus was vital for socio-economic development of the province
and country at large.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Cde Larry
Mavhima commended MSU for its role in taking education across the country
saying the new dispensation target of making the country a middle income
economy by 2030 is achievable. He said MSU was deeply rooted in socio-economic
development of the province and the country at large.

“MSU is doing well in advancing the education sector in the
country. Its department of Local Governance is assisting local authorities with
expertise. We have the medical school that is also assisting health
institutions, an indication that MSU is key in innovation, renovation and success
of the country, “ he said.

Minister Mavhima said the gross domestic product of the
Midlands Province had increased because of the presence of MSU, the mining and
agricultural sectors.

President Mnangagwa donated $50 000 for the construction of
the campus while Kwekwe City Council donated the land. Sunday Mail